Winter Battery Storage

[mtwalleye]

Looking for information on how others store their batteries for the winter. I installed a 2 bank on-board charger this year. Can you leave the batteries in the boat on the charger or is it best to remove them and store indoors?

[Bob O]

I believe the most common approach is for multi-stage chargers to apply a small trickle charge when the battery is at max. But that can cause some sulphation over an extended period of time. Your charger needs to be sophisticated enough to cycle the trickle charge on and off as needed. The best option is to store the batteries indoors AND keep them charged to max. But you can leave them in the boat and use the charger some of the time. I would disconnect the boat cables and plug the charger in for a few hours every couple weeks or so. During the very cold spells I would leave the charger on continuously to keep the battery from freezing. If there is any stray current leakage through the charger or boat wiring, the batteries could discharge enough to freeze. They won't recover. By the way, AGM batteries won't freeze, self-discharge much slower, and can recover better from deep discharges.

[Chris Haley]

Just leave it plugged in. It will monitor them and turn on and off accordingly. I just finished up my fourth year on the same set of batteries. Before my on board I was lucky to get three full seasons. These batteries are still going strong also. I won't be surprised if they last next summer also.

[TSCTSC]

OK...so if I have 3 batteries on board with 2 chargers (1 dual and 1 single). Can I just leave the charger connected to all my batteries thru winter? I have the minnkota single and dual bank charger. I think they are fully automatic so it should be OK to leave it connected and in my boat all winter, right? I really dun like the hassle of pulling everything out.

[Chris Haley]

That's what I do.

[Jeremy airjer W]

As long as they are charged up they shouldn't freeze up!

[ChuckN]

I still wouldn't take that chance though. Not too difficult to take a few batteries out of a boat.

[Moose-Hunter]

Here's a question for ya.... Why not put your on board charger on a heavy duty timer? Rather than having to remember to plug in your charger every few weeks, have the timer take care of the task every day for and hour or so...

I've never done this however it seems do-able. Any input?

[Jeremy airjer W]

Chuck, I'll be storing mine inddors as well. I don't like to take chances, but on the other hand we leave the batteries in our vehicles all winter long. The only time they freeze is after they have been discharged by either leaving something on or if the vehicle developes a draw.

[Northlander]

Mine also go inside and get charged whenever I think about it. Hasnt failed me yet.

[LovenLifeGuy]

Quick question.. What is the average life span of deep cycle batterys. 3 years is what I have heard. Is that about what I should expect? Thx

LovenLifeGuy

[mtwalleye]

Thanks for the feedback. I am leaning towards taking the batteries out of the boat for the winter.

[Northlander]

I have also heard that 3 years is a norm but I have had them for up to 6 years. I think it all depends on how you use them and keep them charged.